SMHC vs Chester HC, Home, 8th Oct 2011

A complete contrast weather wise this week, as the previous 28 degree and sunny conditions were replaced with a more expected 12 degree and rainy in South Manchester.

Colasurdo replaced Lynch-Mathew in goal and Stephenson returned onto the left wing to allow Rigby a chance to move into his more favoured central position. However, the Bees were still without a few senior players. It was also the final game for veteran Strong who moves onto pastures new and onto something bigger and better, job wise at least!

The game, an unusual midday start, started well for the Bees and passes were sprayed across the pitch with full backs Stewart and Leonard pushing up to help attacking play. It wasn't long before the pressure told and after good play on the right, Ainsley found Rigby open in the D to slide it under the advancing keeper.

Chester re-grouped and began to get themselves back into the game and the Cheshire outfit earned 2 quick short corners. The first, a sneaky, well devised, pass to the back post nearly allowed a simple tap in but Stewart was aware of the danger and deflected the pass away. The second was saved by Colasurdo, logging in front, who also managed to clear his own rebound. This was quickly followed by a splitting through ball from the Chester midfield but Colasurdo was quick out and made one of his trademark crunching tackles to win the ball.

Critten and Scholes kept it tight at the back and the momentum swung back in the Bees favour. Another quick play using the wingers down the flanks gave Ainsley another chance on the right who, once again, selflessly squared to allow Stephenson to sweep home to make it 2-0.

The half wasn't finished there as captain Hampton managed to get on the score sheet after Bottomley broke up play in the centre of the park. 3-0 half time.

Strong came on in the 2nd half for his final game in Manchester and brought a different style of game to the defensive midfielder position. His passing through the middle allowed an early goal in the half which effectively wrapped up the tie with last years top scorer Greenhough adding to his season tally. It was Greenhough that applied the 5th goal too as a Chester short corner was cleared by Souter, up the middle to Bottomley who found Greenhough unmarked in the D. His first effort was saved but he made no mistake with the rebound. An excellent end to end Bees goal.

The game was slightly marred after a yellow card was shown to Ainsley for dissent after a decision to disallow a goal for back stick that the young wing back clearly felt should have stood. However, a priceless clean sheet for the Bees who rewarded returning goalie Colasurdo with Man of the Match. Not so lucky for Scholes, however, after receiving punishment for forgetting the team water bottles!